Cubic Zirconia: Benefits & Durability
Cubic Zirconia (CZ) Stones:
- Composition: Cubic Zirconia is composed of zirconium dioxide (ZrO2), which is combined with certain stabilizing agents during the manufacturing process.
- Appearance: CZ is colorless and has high clarity, making it an attractive option for diamond simulants. It often displays more fire and sparkle than a diamond due to its optical properties.
- Durability: While CZ is relatively hard (around 8 – 8.5 n the Mohs scale), It’s not as durable as diamonds or some other gemstones. It can scratch more easily than natural diamonds.
- Cost: CZ is much more affordable than diamonds and some other gemstones. It’s a popular choice for high fashion pieces.
- Benefits: CZ stones offer captivating sparkle, making them an attractive option for jewelry. However, they are not as durable as diamonds and may require more care to prevent damage.
Each type of stone or diamond has its own set of characteristics and benefits. Cubic Zirconia stones provide unique colors and sparkle but may require more care due to their lower durability.
Mohs Hardness Scale Ranking for Cubic Zirconia
- Zircon has a hardness of about 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale.
- While zircon is fairly durable, it is more susceptible to scratching and chipping compared to diamonds.
Mohs Scale of Hardness: A standard comparison of the hardness of one gem material against another.
Zircon, while durable, is not as hard as Moissanite, lab-created diamonds and natural diamonds and may require more care to prevent damage. Keep in mind that hardness is just one aspect to consider when choosing a gemstone, and factors like color, sparkle, cost, and ethical considerations should also play a role in your decision.